When speaking with potential candidates for our open positions at PetRelocation, we try to be transparent in answering their questions and to be open about the fact that we may take longer than other companies when determining who will be extended an offer of employment. The reason for that? We are firm believers in the value of conducting group interviews as part of our hiring process.

What do we mean by ‘Group Interviews’?

If you’ve seen the movie Men in Black, think back to the scenes where Will Smith shows up to find six military guys waiting in the same room, seated in very uncomfortable egg-shaped chairs. They take a sealed booklet test and a marksmanship test. At the end of the day, Will Smith proves that he has the observational, critical-thinking and decision-making skills to be offered the job. Our group interviews don’t have the same ‘save the world’ intensity, but given that PetRelocation wants to save the world for our clients when their pets are traveling the globe, choosing the right people to join our team is one of the most important decisions we make.

While our hiring team tries to connect with each job applicant swiftly when it comes to the initial resume review and scheduling a first phone interview, the slowdown in our hiring process occurs when it comes time for candidates to visit PetRelocation’s Austin headquarters. We conduct group interviews (3 to 5 candidates) an average of once a month, after blocking time on staff calendars to ensure that we have the right people in place to meet the applicants.

This means that a candidate who has excelled in the phone interview stage may be asked to wait for two or three weeks before moving forward with us. There are risks that we may lose a strong candidate to other Austin companies because of this timing, so upon occasion, we may revert to a traditional interviewing schedule – bringing one person into the office to meet with a succession of staff over a few hours – but that is a rare event.

Why have group interviews been effective for PetRelocation?

Since the managers see candidates on the same day, there is a reduced change of bias on the part of that manager. No one wants to be the person interviewed when a manager is having a bad day, but if it’s going to happen, by interviewing everyone on the same day the manager’s attitude is less likely to affect their recommendation to hire or not.

By comparing applicants side by side, our hiring team is also able to better assess for potential cultural fit with the company. At this stage this is a critical factor in our decision making. It’s also fairer to the candidates than asking a manager to remember the person they met last week and then measure them against the person they just met an hour ago.

Candidates gain additional insight to the company and can determine if our philosophy, our goals and our culture amount to something they are looking for in their next job.

Given that so many of our positions are client-facing, being able to gauge how a person interacts with strangers, apply their problem-solving skills, use interpersonal communication skills and deal with stress are all great predictors of how they will fit in with our small team.

Scheduling group interview days are also cost-effective for the team. By planning in advance and talking to candidates in a group environment, we save time and dollars by enabling our team to reduce the number of hours taken away from their regular jobs.

Depending on specific needs, we may be searching for peers and co-workers or leaders and managers to join our team. This means the dynamics of each group interview session are never the same. Sometimes we are looking to add three people to join our Client Care team (the logistical experts who handle everything from pet pick-up to delivery to your new home), or perhaps we also need to find a Professional Services Consultant who likes talking to people about the different plans we can create (and the benefits and drawbacks for each) so they can choose the one that is right for their unique circumstances.

Sometimes, there are times when a candidate’s diverse background and skills mean they could be a fit for more than one open position; we invite them to the group interview with one job in mind, and over the course of the day, discover they are actually a better fit for another department.

With that in mind, the best advice we can offer, other than to actively take part, is to be yourself. That’s the best way for you to determine if you will want to spend 40 hours a week in an office with our team, and it helps us assess the potential fit from our end, as well.

I see that there is a 180 day quarantine with 150 done in the USA. Is this at a quarantine facility? Or is it something else? This is only a possible move if my daughter returns to New Zealand in the fall.

I have kept Stella for the past six months while my daughter is there, but if she goes back she wants to take the dog. However, if the quarantine is too onerous, I will keep her again.

Thank you,

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Thanks for your question! Since New Zealand is a rabies-free country, moving pets here does require quite a bit of time and planning. There is indeed a preparation process that takes at least 180 days, but most of this consists of vaccines and paperwork and can be done at home with you. Upon arrival to New Zealand, a minimum 10-day quarantine must be fulfilled at an approved quarantine facility in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington.

Many people choose to hire professional assistance with a move to New Zealand due to the complex nature of the process. If you'd like to find out more about PetRelocation's door-to-door services, please fill out our online consultation form.

Roughly how much does it cost to ship a puppy (>8kgs) from Kansas to Perth, Australia? What specific vaccinations does the puppy need to have?

Thanks,

Ebony

Hi Ebony,

Thank you for your question. To be honest, Australia can be one of the more expensive places to transport a pet due to freight costs, pre-export vaccines, and quarantine costs (among other things). The process to prepare a pet to move to Australia takes at least 190 days (that includes a mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival), and it all starts with your dog being implanted with a microchip and then given a rabies vaccine.

We suggest looking over the Australia pet import requirements via the official government website. There is a tool here that lets you build a timeline for your move and more information about quarantine facilities, etc. The ultimate cost will vary depending on a few details, but you can expect to spend several hundred dollars or even a few thousand to bring your dog from Kansas to Perth.

Handling the move on your own will be more cost effective, but if you think you'd like some assistance you're welcome to fill out our online consultation form. Due to the complex nature of the process, many people end up deciding to enlist expert help with their moves to Australia in order to avoid delays and problems.

Either way, we hope this helps to get you started! Please let us know if we can be of further assistance, and good luck with everything.

"Reliable & Trustworthy"

My husband and I moved to Germany, last minute, for his job. That being said, we had to leave many things behind because we didn't have the proper time to plan and pack!

Dudley, our loving St. Bernard, was one of those precious items we left back in Texas. After discussing our situation with PetRelocation, they were able to help us get Dudley to Germany as easy and stress free as possible.

Being the caring dog lovers that we are, we worried for Dudley traveling on his own because he's such a sensitive dog. PetRelocation made us feel so reassured and comfortable with their services, though. Dudley's flight was even delayed by the airline carrier by a whole day because of an airline strike, but PetRelocation stayed in contact and gave constant updates on the flight status and on Dudley.

We highly recommend using their services. The staff was very friendly and so caring!!!!

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released its February 2015 Air Travel Consumer Report, which presents the DOT's overview of air travel data from last year and leads to an encouraging conclusion: of the approximately 2 million animals who traveled by air in 2014, there were 17 deaths and 26 injuries -- numbers that reflect a decrease from previous years.

Many of the incidents that do occur happen when pets injure themselves while trying to claw or bite their way out of the travel crate, illustrating the importance of crate acclimation. Other incidents are often due to natural causes or pre-existing issues, which is why it's also a good idea to talk to your vet before a trip in order to discuss concerns and schedule a health screening. Choosing a pet-friendly airline is also highly suggested.

No matter what, it's a good idea to spend plenty of time preparing for a pet move by researching requirements and helping your pets be as ready and as healthy as possible. There's always some amount of risk involved with pet travel (same goes for human travel), but with the right approach those risks can be minimized.

Name: DeeNumber of Pets: 1Pet Type: CatFrom: United KingdomTo: United States

Hi PetRelocation,

I am currently living in the UK. My cat moved here with me and my family about 3 years ago, in 2012. We moved here from the US. We will be moving back to the US this summer. I want to make sure that everything runs smoothly and I have done everything that needs to be done.

It appears that I only have to have a current rabies vaccine and a health certificate issued within 10 days of our arrival in the US. Are there any other requirements? Also, will my cat be able to travel in the cabin of the plane with me? Coming into the UK he had to travel as cargo.

Thanks,

Dee

Hi Dee,

Believe it or not, coming into the United States with a cat is a pretty clear-cut process. As you'll see outlined here, your cat will need a vet health certificate showing the airline he is fit to fly, and proof of an updated rabies vaccine is also recommended. As the Centers for Disease Control website states, though rabies vaccines for cats are not required for successful import, the state you live in may ultimately require one (and many people agree it's a good idea to vaccinate your cat against rabies either way).

Other than that, we suggest checking with the airline to find out about additional rules and regulations. We typically use British Airways or United for pets going between the United Kingdom and the United States, and these airlines both require pets on this route to fly via cargo. To prepare for this, we recommend making sure your cat is well-hydrated and as acclimated to the travel crate as possible.

You're in a great place since you've traveled before and generally know what to expect, but if you have any further questions or think you'd like some help carrying out the move, please contact us for a consultation.

Thanks for your question, good luck, and welcome back to the United States!

We came across an interesting BBC Capital article the other day addressing the topic of sending employees abroad. According to the author's sources, many international assignments do not work out, and around 30% of these failed examples are due to an assignee's family being unable to find comfort and happiness as expats.

Understandably, employees and their families often have trouble transitioning smoothly into a new culture. Even when a focused effort is made to fit in through education, research, and assistance from the employer, it can take time to feel at home in a faraway place.

In our experience, this is exactly why many people choose to bring their pets along on an assignment (even one that's only a few months long):

Pets can comfort you when you're anxious and provide a sense of stability in a new and different place.

They can also help you meet people (dogs especially are excellent when it comes to breaking down social barriers) and explore new surroundings with more confidence.

Also, when an assignee is busy at work, often pets are who a "trailing spouse" will come to rely on for companionship.

Take a look at a few of our recent client updates for real life (and heartwarming) examples of how pets make a new house feel like home.

Pets also play a role in whether or not an assignee even accepts a relocation. According to Ashley Myers, Senior PetRelocation Corporate Account Manager, "When a transferee is considering a new position, often their first questions are about their pet: 'What are the requirements?' and 'Will there be quarantine?' are concerns we hear all the time, and the answers determine whether or not the transferee would like to pursue the move."

We've also seen many examples of pets making a huge difference when it comes to feeling happy abroad. Ashley continues, "Pets are seen more and more as family members, and it is not an option for many to leave them behind. As a pet owner myself, after a day at work I look forward to my welcoming committee to greet me when I get home!"

Our clients agree: 'Home is where your pets are'

If corporations and relocation companies want to increase the number of successful work transfers, it seems that helping employees bring their pets along should be just as high a priority as offering culture workshops and practical advice to these newfound expats.

What do you think? Does bringing your pet along on a work assignment make you more likely to find happiness in a new city? Let us know if you have experience with your pets helping you transition abroad, and feel free to contact us to speak to a Specialist about handling an upcoming relocation.

My daughter and her dog left Canada two years ago for Edinburgh, Scotland to go to the university there. Mordecai went through all the requirements for him to travel to the UK from Canada.

They now are moving back to Canada in June and I would like to know what the dog needs to come back into Canada. My daughter has a Canadian and a British passport. He is healthy.

Thanks,

Ann

Hi Ann,

We'd be happy to offer some guidance. For the most accurate information, please take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada via the official Canada government website. As you'll see, Mordecai will need a rabies vaccination certificate or a European Union pet passport outlining all the required information.

In addition to these key elements, we suggest choosing a pet-friendly airline (you can read more pet travel essentials on our blog for guidance). Since your daughter and Mordecai have traveled before and probably learned a lot from the experience, hopefully this will be a pretty smooth trip for them!

If you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services, please fill out our online consultation form. Either way, good luck to them and thanks for reaching out!

"The only well organized part of our move!"

We were essentially evacuated from Dubai, that is how quickly we had to pack our things and go...

Fighting with the movers, getting temporary accommodations, ferrying around a newborn, and fulfilling work duties all at once will drive you crazy.

The one nice thing was having someone else deal with the dog... Vet clearances, checking regulations, flight bookings, door-to-door service, etc. We would have had a hard time in our situation doing it all ourselves.

How easy is it to move my dog from here in Singapore to Charlotte in the United States? How long does it take? What will he require in terms of paperwork, vet checks and vaccinations, etc.?

He was originally born in the UK and moved to the Netherlands after 18 months, had a pet passport and traveled via the car across the water. He then moved again after 12 months to here in Singapore and required a flight, more paperwork etc.

He is now 5 years old and also had a metal plate inserted into his knee about 8 months ago.

Thank you kindly,Angela

Hi Angela,

Thank you for your question! Please take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States. We typically recommend starting to prepare at least 30 days in advance, as you'll need to gather a vet health certificate and proof of an updated rabies vaccine.

We also recommend helping your dog to become acclimated to the travel crate if he's not already. The fact that he has a metal plate in his knee should not cause a problem, but either way we highly suggest discussing any concerns you have with your vet.

Finally, choosing a pet-friendly airline is an important part of the process, as well. We often use KLM, United, British Airways and Lufthansa, for example, as these carriers have established pet procedures and place a high priority on safety and comfort.

Please let us know if you think you'd like some help organizing your move; one of our Specialists would be happy to discuss your relocation options with you.

If creating an incredible experience for PetRelocation’s clients and their fuzzy family members is like painting a masterpiece, then Tobi is the Georges Seurat of Client Care Specialists. Every ‘t’ is crossed and every ‘i’ is dotted when it comes to her communications and plans.

When she interviewed with PetRelocation in April 2013, one quality about Tobi that was immediately evident to the team was her meticulous attention to detail. Nothing slips past her when it comes to the logistics coordination that is an essential part of every pet move Tobi supervises.

Tobi has built strong partnerships with a select group of PetRelocation’s team of agents that she likes to use regularly. They know what she expects in terms of pet love and handling, and in turn she always keeps them apprised of any unexpected changes or hiccups that may occur (like the recent snow storms and weather issues that caused pet flight cancellations in New York, Chicago and Boston and affected several pet trips).

During a move when there is a sleepless pet parent anxious for an update, Tobi has been known to take late-night phone calls and send prompt emails with pet photos after a pet arrives in a foreign destination.

One previous coworker wrote, “She is always there to help the team and accomplish any task that is needed, and she comes up with out-of-the box and creative solutions when there is no clear solution at hand.” Teamwork is one of the core values we uphold at PetRelocation, and Tobi doesn’t try to live it, it just comes to her naturally.

We asked Tobi to share some of her thoughts in a series of questions below. Hope you enjoy the read!

Why did you decide to apply to PetRelocation initially?

After college, I worked at a computer company for 13 years. I became unfulfilled because I could not see the direct impact of my work. My husband encouraged me to find a job where I could make a difference and helped me do some research – he found the Client Care posting online and I applied for it the very next day.

Tobi, her husband Kris, and their Basset trio(Gus, Bluebonnet and Clementine)

What’s your favorite client story?

There are so many terrific reunion stories to choose from, but one that really stands out is a recent move of two English Bulldogs from California to Indonesia. The dogs (pictured below) started their journey on Sunday and reunited with their family on Friday. I shared every step of their trip with the entire office because every single person at PetRelocation cares about the journey of the pets we move.

Two of Tobi's most memorable clients

What’s it like to work at PetRelocation?

In a word – terrific. I feel like I am one of those lucky people who has a job they actually enjoy and works with people they like.

What has surprised you since working here?

I am most surprised by the remote locations that people move to for their work – places I had never heard of before working here such as Kuala Belait, Brunei and Ripailles, Mauritius.

What do you think will change about pet travel in the next five years?

My hope is that more airlines will establish actual pet travel programs, giving us more options to present to our clients. Pet travel is clearly becoming more common and airlines are bound to really start catering to animals as well as humans.

A few PetRelocation team members on 'Pajama Day'

What advice do you have for people who want to join the company?

Do not be afraid to ask questions. What we do is very unique – until you worked with us as an employee or a pet owner, you’ve probably never met a “pet relocator.” Between airport codes, animal import/export requirements, animal vaccines and countless other things there is an abundance of information to learn. This is not the kind of job where you can just assume you’ll figure something out later – questions are good!

What do you wish other people knew about the company?

We truly manage your pet's move from point A to point B and we specialize in problem solving. There are certain elements of travel that are unpredictable (weather delays, lost paperwork, etc.) – you can count on us to handle those unexpected events for you.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

So many things – that I am over 5 feet tall. That I am actually an android (Tobi spelled backward is iBot). Also, I am learning to play the mandolin. [Editor's Note: Tobi also has a hamster named Christmas, who is pictured below].

Christmas, Tobi's hamster

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would like to be invisible so that I could sneak into music concerts and Disney World.

Hollywood wants to make a movie about your life. Who do they cast to play you?

I would have to insist on playing myself because I’m not sure anyone else could capture my strange and adorable accent that is half-Louisiana, half-Texas.

Thanks for all you do, Tobi! Find out more about the PetRelocation team in this "Meet the Office" video, and if you're interested in working with us, check out our Careers page.

What are the regulations and required documentation to bring a domestic rabbit into Italy?

My husband is in the Air Force and we will be stationed at Aviano Air Base in Italy at the end of this summer. We have an 11-month-old rabbit, and I am trying to figure out what the exact regulations are for bringing a domestic rabbit into Italy. I have been searching numerous websites and I've emailed several Italian consulates across the country, but I have been unable to get any answers.

Please help! I've already found airlines that will allow me to bring him there, but I don't want to get turned away at customs in Rome.

The Ministry of Agriculture is another source we often double check with, and for general information about pet travel, please take a look at our blog where we've posted a few frequently asked pet travel questions. For rabbit travel, hydration and using the right travel crate will be important details to attend to.

Hope this helps, Laura! Thanks for getting in touch, and please contact us if you have any further questions or think you'd like some help with your move.

"PetRelocation made moving the cat overseas simple."

We were faced with a dizzying number of decisions as we prepared our move from Austin to London. We felt fortunate that moving the cat -- something we vastly underestimated in its complexity -- was taken care of by PetRelocation.

They took care of all the paperwork, the sequencing of the vet visits, and then on the day of the move, we were thoroughly prepared for our cat to fly to London.

Coco

We received updates throughout the day and then he arrived at the front step of our new home -- on time and understandably anxious from all of the travel, but otherwise completely fine. I kept Coco in a quiet room for the remainder of the day and then he settled in ever so well.

PetRelocation had lots of tips and experience to share and made everything go very smoothly.

--

Thanks to Ben for sharing this experience with us! Moving soon? Please contact PetRelocation to find out about your pet transport options.

I am totally up the creek without a paddle with no clue of what is needed to relocate my cats. Do they need vaccinations, and if yes, what sort? Would there be a very simple way of relocating them other than using very expensive companies that specialize in this?

Any information you could send my way would be appreciated.

Have a great day :)
Caroline

Hi Caroline!

We're happy to help shed some light on your creek-sans-paddle situation. Unless you've moved a pet before, there's no reason you would even know where to begin (which is completely understandable).

To start, please take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States. Your cats will need a vet health certificate (for the airline) stating they are healthy and fit to fly. A rabies vaccine is technically not required, but since you might want or need to have your cats vaccinated once you're settled in Arizona, it wouldn't hurt to take care of this before you travel and have that documentation handy, also.

It's not necessary to hire professionals to handle this trip and many people choose to book the flight, take care of the vet visits and paperwork, etc. on their own. If you do decide to enlist support, however, we'd be happy to tell you more about our door-to-door services.

Hope this helps! Just let us know if we can be of further assistance, and good luck with everything.

This month's featured pet move shines the spotlight on two very cool cats: Fred and Wilma. This charming duo has moved with us before (their mom is a busy world traveler), so they're becoming pros when it comes to relocating internationally.

Their latest trip took them from Germany to Japan, and now that they're settling in we thought we'd catch up and find out how things are going. Read on to find out more about Fred and Wilma!

What brought about your move?

Due to my job, I move every 2 to 3 years. I got the cats in Australia in 2007 and since then I moved them to the States, then to Germany and now Japan.

How did this particular move compare?

Both of the moves were the easiest, smoothest I ever had with the cats.

What were some of your initial concerns?

No matter where you are headed, the paperwork can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. I was worried that since I was overseas, it would be hard to get everything done on time.

What surprised you about the pet travel process? Can you discuss any particular challenges or interesting details?

The best advice I can give is to plan early. Lots of countries have strict rules about the importation of animals. In my case, I was taking my cats from Germany to Japan and had to have a 6 month “at home” quarantine. Also, lots of airlines have restrictions on the time of year the pet can travel based on the temperature.

How have Fred and Wilma handled the transition so far?

My fur babies are known for being “fraidy cats,” but as soon as they got to me here in Tokyo and out of their crates, they have just taken over the apartment. They found their box, their food and my couch for a nice nap. I just cannot get over how easily they have adapted.

How do Japan, Germany and the United States compare in terms of pet-friendliness?

Both Germany and Japan are known for their love/obsession with their pets. The Germans LOVE their dogs and the Japanese LOVE their cats (see Hello Kitty). In Germany, I was lucky enough to have a vet that made house calls! I get my pet supplies online or from a military base, as my cats are used to American products. I know I could get anything I need here in Japan if I had to.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a pet move?

As I say, plan early. Pets are part of your family and SO important to you, so I know the process can be stressful because you just want them to be comfortable and happy. It can be done (and be done smoothly) if you plan ahead.

What made you decide to hire PetRelocation to assist you?

I did my research, believe me. I went with PetRelocation because they were super responsive and totally understood how important my cats are to me. I was encouraged by the testimonials of other clients. Also, I immediately felt at ease with my PetRelocation consultants.

My situation was hard, as I was moving from Germany to Japan with a stop in the States in between. Turned out I had to leave the cats with my brother in the States for 6 months due to a Japanese regulation for an “at home quarantine.” My consultants treated my brother with as much respect as they gave me and constantly kept us both informed.

They walked us through all the paperwork and worked out a great timeline. I also LOVED that they offered a point to point delivery. They picked up the cats at my brother’s so that he would not have to tackle the nightmare of the airport processing, and they delivered the cats to me at my place in Tokyo. I have done this by myself and trust me, this was priceless!!!

Another highlight was that they tracked the cats the whole way from beginning to end so I had peace of mind the whole time. I honestly cannot recommend them enough. From beginning to end they made this process as easy and as stress free as possible. I will be using them again for sure!!!

Congrats to Fred, Wilma and their loving owner on another successful move! Thinking about relocating with your own pets? Feel free to contact us to speak to a Specialist about your options.

We are moving from England to Germany by car and I was wondering if we can take our hamster with us?

Thanks,

Jo

Hi Jo,

Thanks for submitting a question to us! When we checked the official Germany Ministry of Food and Agriculture website for information about importing pets from other EU countries, we found that it's possible to bring up to three hamsters (or rabbits or guinea pigs) without difficulty. Further, when you're accompanying the hamster, "no specific conditions need to be observed."

Feel free to contact official sources if you have additional questions, and you're welcome to contact us if you think we can be of further assistance. We also recommend speaking to your vet for advice about safe hamster travel; in general we suggest placing a high priority on hydration and making sure you have a secure travel container that your hamster feels comfortable in and can't escape from.

I have a 60 pound Pit Bull and I need it to bring it here to United States. I would like to know if this is possible (and can your company do the moving)?

Thanks,

Margarita

Hi Margarita,

Thanks for your question! The United States does not have any particular breed restrictions when it comes to importing pets, and it's actually one of the easier countries in terms of rules and regulations. Please take a look at the US pet import requirements for an overview of what to expect.

We also recommend reading over these basic pet travel questions and answers. Here you'll see that it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline and help your dog to be acclimated to the crate as well as possible. You'll also want to review the airline requirements very carefully, as Pit Bulls often face different rules. If you're flying with United, for example, your dog would need a reinforced travel crate.

If you're interested in hiring help with this move, please fill out our online consultation form. With a few more details we'll be able to tell you more about your move options.

The PetRelocation team will happily accept any opportunity to celebrate our pets, and Valentine's Day is one of our favorite times to shine the spotlight on the cats and dogs we go home to every night.

Obviously our pets are our #1 Valentines, but this year we're answering a specific question: How did you know your pet was 'The One'? Get ready for some adorable stories...

Bethany, Client Care Manager:I knew Goonie was the one for me on the 4th of July, the day I rescued her. She was scared of the fireworks that night, but was trying to be tough about it by barking at them. Eventually, she gave in and snuggled really close to me under the covers before falling asleep and snoring loudly all night. To this day, she is still the best “little spoon” ever! :)

Tim, Pet Relocation Consultant:I have a dog and her name is Hufflepuff. She is weird, sometimes wild, fluffy, scruffy, and basically the cutest dog I have ever encountered and had the privilege to hug. My girlfriend Alanah and I had been discussing getting a dog for a couple of months. Every week we almost went to Austin Pets Alive! to adopt one, but talked ourselves out of it ever time, saying that we weren’t ready for a dog.

While at work, Alanah would send me links to dogs on APA’s website. Most were cute, others were too old. I had expressed that I did not want a girl dog, much less a small, wiry haired dog (I have had bad luck with girl dogs in the past). One day, she sent me a link to small, wiry haired, girl dog and said “I think this is the one”.

At the time, the Huff’s name was Starburst and she looked like an ugly, wire-haired dog. I got off work and went to APA with Alanah. They took us back to see “Starburst”. She was sitting on a pillow, alone, and surrounded by a bunch of loud, obnoxious dogs. When I made eye contact with her, she gave be the look of “please get me out of here.” We played with her for the required thirty minutes and we both fell in love with her. It turns out, you can’t judge a dog by a picture or name.

Hufflepuff (formerly Starburst) has since become the scruffy, fluffy (not wiry) love of our lives. She has been though a few medical complications, but was a champ and is now just has happy and playful as ever. I do not know what I would do without my canine best friend. She is the best dog I could have ever asked for.

Keith, Senior Client Care Specialist:MayBelle was a stray that found her way to my door, and now she watches the movies with me that no one else will. #truelove

Rachel, Chief of Staff:I’ve been crazy about Golden Retrievers since I was a kid when one of my best friends growing up introduced me to her two Goldens. When I turned 13, my mom surprised me by taking me to pick up a one-year old rescue Golden Retriever named Gus. He was an amazing dog and the best friend a teenage girl could ask for. After many loyal years by my side, Gus passed away from stomach cancer at age 13. I waited seven years before getting another Golden.

My second Golden, Charlie, was a rescue from Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue in Houston, Texas. Charlie was a beautiful boy with an endless enthusiasm for swimming and a huge, adoring smile. He passed away much too young last July from a devastating fight against bone cancer. Shortly after Charlie passed, I decided that I was going to get another Golden and enter him in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Health Study, an incredible study by the Morris Animal Foundation that is working to study what causes cancer in dogs. In order to participate in the study, dogs have to be under 2 years and have at least 3 generations of known bloodlines – something my other two Goldens, who were strays I had adopted at around a year old, did not have.

I began researching responsible breeders and my research led me to Stanroph Golden Retrievers, an English Golden Retriever breeder on the southern coast of Spain known for their healthy, beautiful dogs. After working in the pet moving industry for almost 10 years, I thought I would be well prepared for bringing my puppy into the US from Spain, but I also knew it would require a lot of research! Fortunately, PetRelocation has tons of free pet travel resources I was able to use to plan my puppy’s trip.

My puppy was born in December, and just two weeks ago, when he was finally old enough to come home, my husband and I traveled to Spain to pick him up. No one told me how hard picking out “the one” would be! All I knew was that I wanted a male dog, and there were four adorable boys to choose from. But, as they say, “the one” picks you.

After sitting on the floor playing with the four puppies for a while, three of them got drowsy and piled up in a little heap to go to sleep. The breeder had marked each puppy with a different color to distinguish them and “Mr. Pink” was the last man standing. Out of habit, I started playing a game with him that I had played with Gus as a child, having him chase a toy underneath my legs and around in circles. Suddenly, I felt like I was looking at both Gus and Charlie, a beautiful, fuzzy blend of spirit, strength, and loyalty. As his big eyes became drowsy, “Mr. Pink” sat down between my husband and I, staring up at both of us, ready for an adventure. That’s when I knew he was “the one.” And don’t worry – the name “Mr. Pink” didn’t stick. We’ve named him Bravo, Spanish for brave.

Sarah, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant:I always wanted a Goldendoodle -- a big, teddy bear looking dog. But then I thought, how funny would it be to get one specifically because she looks like me!? So I began my search for a redheaded Goldendoodle. They’re really hard to find! It’s kind of like children -- hard to predict if you’ll get a redhead out of a red dad and a golden mom or vice versa. So, I looked for a breeder that specifically bred Irish Setters to Red Poodles, making the chances of red hair a guarantee!

I found one in Indiana, just a few hours south of my parents’ house in Michigan. A winter snow baby, just like me! How could I pass this up? I named her Reba due to her red hair and hopefully sassy attitude. Reba and I have gotten comments such as “look at your little doppelganger!” or “I’m a hair colorist and I don’t know how you matched your dog’s coat perfectly to your hair, but your hairdresser is a magician!” (my hair is naturally red, by the way).

I loved her the instant I saw her little puppy butt wagging in a video my breeder sent. And when I picked her up, forget about it -- that SMELL! Intoxicating! I’m in love with Reba. She stole my heart that day!

Rebecca, Pet Relocation Trainer:I knew Stryker was the one when he became putty in my lap!

I fell in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog breed as soon as I read about them in a Dog Encyclopedia. They had the perfect combination of fluff, size and sweet temperament toward humans and other animals. From then on I knew my first dog would be a Berner. After years of scouting for breeders, I flew to Colorado to pick out the new puppy I had only been able to dream about.

I arrived to find only two male puppies remained. One was absolutely striking in color with perfect markings and a gorgeous face. The other had a spotty cow nose, white socks that went half way up his legs and a thin white Mohawk down his neck. I was handed the picture perfect puppy first only to quickly find out he had quite a voice. He cried and squirmed in my arms, so I quickly put him down to watch him further. He pounced and played but reacted similarly when my sister picked him up.

I asked to hold the other puppy, who sweetly snuggled in my arms and even seemed to love my kisses! Sitting on the couch, I placed him on my legs on his back; his head relaxed and his ears flopped back, making me laugh. I had never seen anything so cute or trusting.

From there on I knew he was the one! His spotty cow nose did finally turn black, I found out his white mohawk is called a “Swiss Kiss” (a good luck mark), and it has now blended to his coat and only his white boots remain.

Evelyn, Pet Relocation Consultant:I knew VV and I were meant for each other the minute we met. As corny as it sounds, I felt like we shared a deep level of understanding from the beginning. Sometimes I look at her and it’s like staring in the mirror!

Kelley, Director of HR:Shortly after we got married, my husband, an Air Force Captain at the time, was being sent on assignment to the Middle East and he wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be lonely while he was gone. We needed a dog.

After taking an online quiz (What dog fits your lifestyle?) – the #2 suggestion was Norwegian Lundehund. Our initial reaction was “What’s a Lundehund?” We had never heard of the breed and, of course, started to research. “Dogs with six toes? Dogs who have articulated shoulders? Dogs who can touch the back of their heads to their spines? Almost went extinct during WWII? Only 2000-2500 of them in the world? And cute too?”

Lucky for us, there was woman on the East Coast who was breeding Lundehunds, and she had two puppies from a recent litter who still needed a home. We drove the four hours to Cary, North Carolina and it was love at first sight. The puppy fell asleep in my arms, exhausted from a long day of playtime, while we were talking to the woman. At that point my husband said he knew we weren’t coming home without him. It was a done deal.

Now a senior canine, Dante has been through four moves in his life. He still romps about in the morning with junior barker, Modi (another Lundehund) and Skipper, the Sheltie. He’s my four-legged baby and will celebrate his 14th birthday in April. It was love at first sight and each day that he’s been in my life is a wonderful gift.

Tom, HR Specialist:An animal-loving family in the country who unexpectedly ended up with a litter chose to give their puppies to good homes in hopes of keeping them out of the shelter. We drove an hour into the boonies outside of Austin, down a driveway that can best be described as a dried up creek bed. Even at 8 weeks old, Leo’s personality showed through and we knew we had found our boy!

Happy Valentine's Day to all the pet lovers out there! Feel free to share your own "meet cute" pet stories in the comments -- we'd love to read them.

My dog just had puppies and my uncle is living in the states and he wants one. We are just curious about some of the requirements needed to have the puppy transferred from Canada to the States. What are the fees involved?

If there is any special way of handling this? If you can give me the best information on this it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Soleil

Hi Soleil,

Thank you for reaching out with a question! We'd be happy to offer some assistance. Please begin by looking over the pet import requirements for the United States. The dog will need to have a vet health certificate stating he/she is healthy and fit to fly (this is what the airline requires) as well as an up-to-date rabies vaccine. We recommend that dogs be at least 16 weeks old before they travel by air.

Please take a look at these essential pet travel tips for more information about the basic process. As you'll see, crate-training and choosing a pet-friendly airline are very important parts of planning a smooth relocation. You'll also need to make sure the travel crate is the correct size and airline-approved. If you have questions about flying an unaccompanied dog via cargo, please read more about it here.

If you think you'd like some assistance, please fill out our consultation form. We've organized thousands of safe pet moves and would be glad to help you, as well.

What rules would apply for us if we move from Norway to Singapore and would like to bring our dogs with us? We have a 3.5-year-old Female and her 2 pups of 15 weeks.

I have been offered a position in Singapore, but I am not saying yes if this means I can't bring my dogs. A reply from you on this would be appreciated.

Best Regards,Tor

Hi Tor,

Thanks for submitting a question to us (and congratulations on your job offer)!

To plan a course of action, your best source of information will be the official Singapore government website. Here you should find the most current rules about how to import your dogs into the country.

Norway is a "Category B" country, so you'll follow these regulations. As you'll see, you need an import license, veterinary certificate, microchip and all stated vaccines, including rabies. For general information about pet travel rules and requirements, please take a look at this overview.

Please be aware that it can sometimes be a challenge to find housing in Singapore, especially for three dogs. We recommend taking some time to research your options here, also, before making a commitment.

If you think you'd like some assistance with moving your dogs to Singapore, please contact us for a consultation. We've helped many pets relocate to Singapore and would be happy to discuss your options with you, too.

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